The Princeton Review: Algebra Edge

by Riverdeep

Product Details

• Product Dimensions: 11 x 2.2 x 10 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1 pounds
• Shipping: This item is also available for shipping to select countries outside the U.S.
• ASIN: B00000JLAV
• Item model number: GBA3744BE
• Date first available at Amazon.com: October 24, 1999
• Average Customer Review: 4.2 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (8 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #14,730 in Software (See Top 100 in Software)
  • #65 in Software > Education & Reference > Secondary Education > Math
• Discontinued by manufacturer: Yes

Product Description

Amazon.com Review

Are you looking for a way to supplement your child's algebra skills without boring him or her to tears? The text-prep experts at Princeton Review have devised Algebra Edge, an easily loaded two-disc package that teaches and tests all the topics covered in first-year algebra.

The two-disc format neatly divides Algebra Edge into two distinct parts: Algebra Smart (Disc No. 1), and Grade Builder (Disc No. 2). Algebra Smart, the more substantial of the two, consists of lessons, rapid-fire quizzes, and a record-keeping function. The cartoon graphics and wacky voices are designed for kids, and an Olympic theme runs throughout--the quizzes are called the Algebra Games, and the lessons are taught at the Algebra Training Building. The quizzes are very fast-paced, and thus are not recommended until a student has achieved mastery of a topic. One especially helpful feature is the Info Center, the record-keeping function, which allows you to look up any current algebra textbook and review the material that was taught at school the same day.

The Grade Builder CD-ROM consists of review lessons and two games: Death By Algebra and Soak Your Sibling. The graphics for the lessons are set against a very dark background, which some users may find disconcerting. The lessons themselves have more talking and less chalkboard work than those in Algebra Smart. Death By Algebra has an ironic tone that is suitable for most postmodern kids, but it may bother religious conservatives or others who object to jokes such as "Welcome to the game show where, just like in life, you earn points and collect prizes until you die." Soak Your Sibling was nearly incomprehensible on the first try, and kids will find the characters either hilarious or annoying.

Algebra Edge comes with a guarantee that is characteristic of the Princeton Review: if a student finishes the program and doesn't raise his or her grade, Princeton Review will refund the price of the software. To get a refund, the student must return the CD-ROMs (which have an automatic record-keeping function showing which lessons and tests have been taken) along with copies of report cards. A student must use the program within two grading periods to qualify for a refund. --Matt Kohut

Product Description

There's never a dull moment in this active-learning approach of first year algebra. Each concept is covered in step-by-step increments with plenty of practice and tons of everyday samples.

See all Product Description

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

37 of 38 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Algebra + Fun, January 10, 2000

By 

marina (Illinois) - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Princeton Review: Algebra Edge (CD-ROM)

This is the only Algebra I program my kids loved! They BEGGED to let them play. Any other program will just explain you something and then give you a quiz, but this one lets you spend some time playing. The games are fun, and "Soak Your Sibling" is the best way to get inside the coordinate plane. If your kid has a little bit of patience, he will understand everything about this linear functions very soon. I wish they would invent similar games for every topic.

19 of 20 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars This is the best Algebra I program I have seen!, December 23, 1999

By A Customer

This review is from: The Princeton Review: Algebra Edge (CD-ROM)

This program is the best it shows you how to effectivly master any type of algebra I. Algebra I is the bases of all other math so if you use this program you have a chance to learn and master the skill, quick and easy. It can go along with almost any algebra I book out! This one's the best.

15 of 16 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Great supplement for "home schooling"/tutoring in Algebra, May 30, 2000

By A Customer

This review is from: The Princeton Review: Algebra Edge (CD-ROM)

My 8th grader is learning Algebra at home rather than in the traditional class. She had been resisting doing the book lessons, but this software makes more sense to her and is much more interesting. The games are fun and challenging. The fact that it follows the textbook exactly really helps too. We've used it to learn new material and as a fast & fun review of earlier material.